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The History of Second Baptist Church
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Oxford, Mississippi -
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The nucleus of Second Baptist Church began with both Baptist
and Methodist ex-slaves planting a bush arbor in the lower
edge of the "Old Pegues Estate," known as Amma Delle Subdivision.
The ex-slaves prayed for a better day, for enlightenment
of God's word, for wisdom, knowledge, more grace, and
faith, for homes, churches, and schools for their children.
After worshiping for awhile under the bush arbor, those
early fore runners gained faith in God and confidence
in themselves. A small group of Christian women transferred
their membership from the White Baptist Church forming
the first membership of Second Baptist Church. The members
were Sister Jane Wilburn, Sister Jane Dickens, Sister
Eliza Brown, Sister Vinna Thompson, Sister Matilda Ivy
Sanders, Sister Betty McCloud, Sister Poly Avent, and
the Church's first Mother, Martha Butler. Reverend
Ned Johnson served as their first pastor, and a non
member, Henry Wood served as the custodian.
On April 21, 1873 the group purchased the former church
site, currently a parking lot, for the sum of fifty
dollars ($50.00). Many contributions were made
from the White Baptist Church and citizens of Oxford
in the construction of the first and second frame church
building.
The most outstanding pastor of the early church was
the Reverend H. W. Bowen, who came to Oxford from Macon,
Mississippi. He pastored the early church membership
and served as one of the first Negro school teachers
of Oxford. From the pulpit, this noted leader advanced
the ideas of education for children to the ex-slaves
mothers and fathers. The first school for Negroes
blossomed into existence in the first church structure.
The first students were Callie Coleman Johnson, Mrs.
Macon Taylor, and Joanna Isom.
During the pastoring of Reverend Bowen, fire destroyed
the first frame building; shortly thereafter a second
frame structure took its place.
On January 2-3, 1895 additional land was purchased from
Taylor Robertson and wife Edmonia Robertson; the parcel
land next to and adjoining Second Baptist Church.
In 1896, Reverend Blind Jim Ivy became an integral part
of the University of Mississippi. He joined Second Baptist
and led the way in efforts to rebuild the roof on the
second frame building. second frame building.
On January 18, 1905 Trustees of the Second Baptist Church
J.W. Avant, George Harvey, and Charles Avant purchased
more property from Hattie Anderson for the sum of six
hundred and fifty dollars ($650.00). Brother George
Harvey served as Trustee and was Chairman of the Deacon
Board for forty-five years. Reverend D. P. Shaw
served as pastor and was remembered for preaching and
singing long meter hymns that shook the sinners right
out of their seats.
1911 - Pastor H.
E. Clemons from Memphis, Tennessee was a zealous, courageous,
and valiant character. Like a great warrior, he
joined hands with the faithful membership and built
the previous stone structure church.
1915 - Pastor J. J.
Olive- married Blind Jim Ivy and Margeret Terrell on August
15, 1915.
1918 - Pastor Chester
A. Greer-The baptistry was built by the late Stanfield
Taylor and designed by Walter M. Johnson. The first candidate
baptized in the baptistery was Arhlia Gipson Boles.
1920 - Pastor P. A.
Lenon was the minister.
1922 - Pastor D. P.
Shaw was remembered as being the hottest thing since the
burning bush.
1924 - Pastor J.
S. Mills-Bro. Will Mitchell's family united with Second
Baptist Church from the Burgess community.
1927 - Pastor E.
M. Porter-Members began worshipping together every Sunday
in the month for morning and evening services.
At six o'clock on Sunday evenings, children, youth,
and adults attended the BYPU. An annual summer
Sunday School and BYPU picnic was sponsored by the pastor
and church staff.
1933 - Pastor Armstead
Williams conducted a two-week summer revival.
Sister Dovie E. Johnson was elected to the office of
Second Baptist Church Clerk, Sunday School teacher organizer,
President of Missionary Society, organizer and first
President of the T.O.M.B. District Mission.
1934 - Pastor Robert
W. Wilkins of Holly Springs, Mississippi was a provocative
preacher. He served for seven years and died in
office during the summer of 1942.
1942 - Pastor W. L.
Myers of Memphis, Tennessee was elected on October 21,
1942. He served for three months.
1943 - Pastor James
H. Johnson was elected and served for three months.
1943 - Pastor Elijah
Johnson of Memphis, Tennessee was elected on June 21,
1943. Recommended a one treasury system. Gas heat
was installed to replace old pot bellied coal stoves.
1947 - Pastor William
L. Buchanan of West Point, Mississippi. Under his administration
a new roof was placed on the church; the restrooms for
men and women were added to the church.
1953 - Pastor
H. W. Ratliff of Okolona, Mississippi-a Pastor's Aid
Club was established. The church participated faithfully
in the district, state, national association, and conventions.
Brother W. H. (Hamp) Davidson became an ordained minister
of the Gospel. The first church history was written
by Bro. Walter M. Johnson and presented to the membership
on August 30,1953.
1955 - Pastor John
E. Cameron of Meridian, Mississippi was elected on November
22nd. New church pews were installed in the sanctuary,
and shrubbery outside was purchased by individual members
of the church. The church's interior walls and
ceilings were plastered. New light fixtures were
donated by Ms. Doxie Foster. Our first printed order
of service was introduced. The mirror over the
baptistry was donated by Mr. and Mrs. S. G . Gooden.
Brotherhood was organized. Mrs. Gertrude Buford
was appointed pianist for the Sunbeam Choir. Thirty-two
young people were baptized and added to the church roll.
The Mother Board was organized.
1957 - Pastor George
Washington Reece of Gulfport, Mississippi was elected.
Five deacons ordained; Trustee board established, new
organ and red carpet purchased, choir number two
organized with the Pastor's wife, Sister Rose Reece
serving as pianist. The Northeast Mississippi State
Convention was hosted by Second Baptist in 1961.
1962 - Pastor Moses
E. Pleasure of Mobile, Alabama was elected. Sunday morning
service was broadcasted on radio station WSUH. The pastor
built a tithing box and a lighted cross. The water
fountain was placed in the lobby. The motto was
"Silence in the presence of the Lord." A full
report of tithes, offerings, and auxiliaries was
published in the weekly church program.
1964 - Pastor
Ras S. Pickens of Brandon, Mississippi was elected.
The first calendar for special events for the year was
initiated. One deacon was ordained. Additional property
adjoining the church on the North side was purchased
from the Martins for the Sum of $2,500.00. The bus ministry
began. The membership voted the Deacon Board would
act as a "Pulpit Committee" and that no minister
shall occupy the pulpit without the consent of the Deacon
Board.
1969 - Pastor
T. A. Woods of Nesbit, Mississippi served three months.
1970 - Pastor
M. T. Moore of Okolona, Mississippi was elected and served
for thirteen years. The east room in the old parsonage
was repaired. A Junior Deacon Board was appointed
by the pastor with four deacons. One member was added
to the Trustee Board. Choir Number Four was organized.
Additional property joining the church on the North and
West was purchased. The old Pastorium was torn down.
The ceiling of the church sanctuary was lowered and redecorated;
new ceiling flood lights and air conditioning were installed.
A piano was donated to the church by Sis. Ruby Drummond.
Newly built Pastorium was completed in 1975.
1983 - Pastor
Leroy Wadlington was the first native born Oxonian to
be elected. He served twenty-three years, and accomplished
all goals set for the church. Members were encouraged
to tithe. Several Trustee members were elected.
The second church history was written by Sister Susie
Marshall and presented to the membership on September
23, 1984. The church was able to purchase two
church vans, a Hammond organ, and a baby grand piano.
A new church was structured in 1986, and the old church
was demolished. Women trustees were appointed.
Sis. Sally Starks organized the deaconess. A unified
choir was organized, a computer system was installed
in the church office and a diversity in divinity ministry
with St. Peters Episcopal Church began. An integral
participation with the University of Mississippi and
the community began. Additional structure to the church
was built including a fellowship hall, commercial kitchen,
educational rooms and computer laboratory. Under the leadership of Pastor Wadlington we were lead by God to form Pathways Family Life Center(a 501C3 ministry). Pastor Wadlington
appointed Rev. Tony Anderson as interim pastor 2006.
Rev. Tony Anderson served for eight months.
2006 - Pastor
Andrew Robinson, Sr. of Canton, Mississippi was elected
on September 12, 2006. He is a God sent preacher,
teacher, and singer who expresses love to everyone.
A trustee member was elected. Under his pastorage,
new members are being added to the church's roll weekly.
The third church history was written by Sister Dilcy
Ivy and submitted for the church online publication.
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